In a strategic move, Punjab Kings are poised to retain only two uncapped players, Shashank Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh, as they prepare for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise is set to enter the auction with the largest purse, expected to exceed INR 100 crore, providing them a significant advantage in player acquisition.
Sources indicate that PBKS management is also keen on retaining fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season with 19 wickets. However, several high-profile players will not be retained, including Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone.
In a season marked by inconsistency, PBKS finished ninth out of ten teams in IPL 2024, despite a remarkable high point where they executed a record chase of 262 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Shashank and Prabhsimran were instrumental in that success, scoring 354 and 334 runs, respectively, making them the team’s top scorers.
As part of their strategy to revitalize team performance, PBKS has made significant changes to their coaching staff, appointing former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting as the head coach. The franchise has not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014, prompting a reevaluation of their approach as they aim for a stronger showing in 2025.
The deadline for franchises to submit their lists of retained players is today, October 31. New IPL rules allow teams to retain up to six players before the mega auction, including a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players. While the league has set minimum salary deductions for retained players, franchises have the flexibility to negotiate higher amounts.
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With their substantial auction purse and strategic retention plans, PBKS is positioning itself for a transformative season ahead, aiming to break its playoff drought and return to competitive form in the IPL.
